THE Upper Lough Erne Lakeside Share Centre outdoor activity complex near Lisnaskea, which on Monday was under one foot of water, is still open for business.

Its manager, Oliver Wilkinson, reported that several groups were visiting this week, although one weekend event, a 'Jesus First' three-day event for young people from the Clogher diocese, had to be cancelled.

Mr Wilkinson tracked the sequence of events that led to expensive equipment, in the swimming pool especially, being damaged by flood water.

"On Thursday evening, the water was rising to a level we hadn't seen before in at least 25 years, so we used sandbags to try to get the water out of the leisure complex - the pool, the sauna, the steam room, the fitness suite, the changing room and other facilities.

"We thought with the sand bags we would have kept the water at bay, but it really was King Canute. It came in and by Friday morning we had six inches or more of water right throughout the complex. This morning (Monday) we have up to two feet of water."

In fact, from Friday onwards, the flood waters had flowed across the nearby Lisnaskea-Derrylin road, forcing its closure to through traffic.

However, the Share Centre management are determined to forge ahead.

"There are currently three schools in today who made a slightly extended journey via Enniskillen and Derrylin to Share.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature of the flooding, we have been affected by the need to close our leisure suite and gym complex", Oliver Wilkinson explained.
"The building is very close to the lake and, therefore, has been affected by the record flooding levels - with up to two feet of water in the building.

"The leisure suite and gym will be closed well into the New Year; however the rest of the premises will be open for business."

He explained that the centre would continue to provide accommodation and hot meals.

"In fact, a watersports centre tends to thrive in situations like this!

"Each year we run a trainee course for 10 students to become outdoor Instructors and, today (Monday) they made full use of the areas affected by paddling to Lisnaskea on what is usually farmland and main roads!"

Most other staff have had to find alternative means of transport into the centre due to the closure of the main road.

"Several members of staff were transported by passing trucks, several in their own 4X4 vehicles and others were ferried in by canoe.

"The novelty of the situation has made travelling to work quite an enjoyable experience for most staff who park their cars in a layby don their boots and waterproofs and take whatever means of transport available."

Mr Wilkinson reported that some local farmers had been seen on jet skis and boats on the roads too.

And, while the weather forecast over the next couple of days seems to be for more rain, it was unlikely, he said, that this will affect the centre much more than it already has.

"So Share is very much still open for business", he added.

As regards compensation, Mr Wilkinson said a figure had still to be determined, with loss adjusters due to call when the water levels decrease.